HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania officials are urging caution as schools across the state face a surge in reported threats, many of which are linked to social media-based pranks. The warnings come from a coalition of state leaders, including Attorney General Michelle Henry, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, and State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris.
Officials highlighted that the sharp rise in threats since the start of the 2024-2025 school year, while concerning, is largely fueled by false alarms circulating online. The state’s Safe2Say Something program, which allows students and community members to report potential threats, has seen a 50% increase in tips this year, many of which are tied to non-credible threats.
“It is certainly not a desired avenue of my office or law enforcement partners to criminally charge a student,” Attorney General Henry said, while underscoring the harm caused by false reports. “Intentional false reports traumatize other students and school communities at large, while hampering overall efforts to keep schools and students safe from real threats of violence.”
Officials are particularly concerned about the role of social media in spreading panic. Many of the threats, according to Lt. Gov. Davis, originate from outside local communities and are designed to go viral, amplifying fear. He encouraged parents to talk to their children about distinguishing between credible concerns and social media hoaxes.
“Every Pennsylvania kid deserves to be safe and feel safe in their community,” Davis said, acknowledging the ongoing concerns about school safety. “As a new dad, I empathize with those concerns, but it’s important for parents to know the facts and talk to our kids about what they’re hearing at school and seeing online.”
Col. Paris emphasized the strain false reports place on law enforcement, noting that all threats are treated seriously. “Some threats are identified early on as pranks or social media hoaxes,” Paris said, while urging parents to discuss the responsible use of social media with their children.
State education leaders are also advocating for the use of resources like Safe2Say Something to help students and educators address potential threats before they escalate. “We want every student to feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to learn,” said Secretary Mumin, stressing the importance of both safety and mental health support in schools.
- Maryland Lottery’s FAST PLAY Hits Unprecedented $2.68 Million Jackpot
BALTIMORE, M.D.— The FAST PLAY VIP Club progressive jackpot has surged to an unprecedented $2,687,862, making it the highest jackpot in Maryland Lottery’s FAST PLAY history.
As of 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, the VIP Club game surpassed the previous record of $2,620,246, set by the FAST PLAY Diamond Mine game in 2021. The jackpot continues to grow with each $30 ticket purchase until a winning ticket is sold. Jackpot totals are printed on each ticket and updated every 15 minutes on the Lottery’s website, mobile app, vending machines, and at retail locations.
Lottery officials advise players to sign their tickets immediately and store them safely if they win the progressive prize.
- Multiple Top-Prize TAKE 5 Tickets Sold Across New York
NEW YORK, N.Y.— Several top-prize-winning TAKE 5 tickets, each worth $4,111, were sold across various locations in New York for the Saturday, October 7 evening drawing, the New York Lottery announced.
Two of the winning tickets were sold at Super Discount Store on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. Additional winning tickets were sold at T H Fruit & Vegetable Market on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn; Bowne Grocery Inc in Flushing; Apex on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights; Smokes 4 Less in Newburgh; Sanat Cards & Convenience in Oakland Gardens; and Lucky Corner in Rego Park.
TAKE 5 drawings are held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., with numbers drawn from a field of one through 39. Winners have up to one year from the drawing date to claim their prizes.
- Caitlin Clark is the Reason Why We Now Watch the WNBA and Angel Reese is Why We Don’t
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are both incredible athletes, but Caitlin Clark’s rookie year in the WNBA stands out for several reasons. Clark’s performance with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, she became one of the most dynamic rookies the league has ever seen.
As new fan of the WNBA, I don’t particularly like being called a racist, which is essentially what Angel Reese said after realizing she’s second fiddle to Clark. But there’s more to it than that.
Caitlin Clark has energized the league, but there’s a reason why nobody is following the semifinals and many won’t follow the finals. Clark’s Fever was eliminated quickly in round one.
For most new fans, the season ended there. The ratings have dropped. It’s a fact, but Clark’s energy is still being felt as the New York Liberty’s semifinal games were among the most watched in league history, but still not the same as when Clark and Indiana were still in it.
Not only did she put up big numbers, but she also broke records, including the single-season assist record, while leading her team to the playoffs. Clark’s playmaking, leadership, and consistency made her the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
In contrast, Angel Reese had a strong start to her rookie campaign with the Chicago Sky, especially shining as a dominant rebounder. Reese set a new WNBA record for total rebounds in a single season, which is a huge accomplishment for any player, let alone a rookie. However, her season was unfortunately cut short due to a wrist injury, which took her out of action just when the Sky needed her most. While her rebounding stats were off the charts, Reese’s absence during the critical part of the season made it difficult for her to compete with Clark’s full-season impact.
As for why some fans argue that Reese is a reason people don’t watch the WNBA, it’s not about her skills but rather her off-court persona. Reese is known for her outspoken confidence and willingness to engage in trash talk, which has polarized the public. While some fans appreciate her fiery attitude, others see it as a distraction from the game, making her a divisive figure in the league.
Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, lets her performance on the court do the talking. Her ability to consistently deliver without any off-court drama has made her the face of the league’s future. This focus on basketball, along with her leadership and record-breaking play, is why she deserved the Rookie of the Year award, while Reese, despite her undeniable talent, wasn’t able to match that full-season dominance.
